Question

In what year were African-American women first allowed to legally vote? (A) 1870 (B) 1920 (C) 1964 (D) 1965

Short answer

(B) 1920

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the context of voting rights in the United States

To solve this exercise, we should first recognize key events in the history of voting rights in the United States. The 15th Amendment, 19th Amendment, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 were critical milestones in expanding voting rights to different groups of people, including African-Americans and women.

Analyzing the 15th Amendment (1870)

The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1870. This amendment granted African-American men the right to vote by stating that the "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." However, this did not extend voting rights to African-American women.

Analyzing the 19th Amendment (1920)

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified in 1920. This amendment granted women the right to vote, stating that "the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex." While this amendment legally granted voting rights to all women, including African-American women, it is essential to note that many African-American women still faced significant barriers to voting due to discriminatory practices in some states.

Analyzing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting practices. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited segregation in public places and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited racial discrimination in voting practices like literacy tests and other methods used to disenfranchise African-American voters. These two acts helped to ensure that African-American women could exercise their right to vote.

Selecting the correct answer

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is (B) 1920, as the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted women the right to vote, including African-American women. Although they still faced difficulties and discrimination, legally they were allowed to vote from 1920 onwards.

Key concepts

African-American History

African-American history is deeply intertwined with the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States. One significant aspect of this history is the fight for voting rights. After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870, granting African-American men the right to vote. However, African-American women were not granted the same rights at this time.
Sadly, even after having legal rights, many African-Americans faced numerous discriminatory practices that made it difficult for them to vote. For instance, states often imposed literacy tests, poll taxes, and other requirements specifically designed to disenfranchise African-Americans. These obstacles were in place until the mid-20th century, when further legislative changes were made.
Despite the advancements brought by the Civil Rights Movement, African-Americans had to endure a long journey to achieve full voting rights, often facing violence and intimidation. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that many of these discriminatory practices were officially outlawed, ensuring African-Americans could freely exercise their right to vote without obstruction.

US Constitutional Amendments

The U.S. Constitution has been amended several times to expand voting rights and achieve greater equality among citizens. These amendments play a critical role in defining the voting landscape in America.
• The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, was a landmark in granting voting rights irrespective of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude," particularly aimed at ensuring African-American men could vote.
• The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, expanded voting rights to women, a significant triumph after decades of advocacy by the women's suffrage movement. This amendment stated that voting rights could not be denied "on account of sex."
Despite these amendments, systemic barriers remained that prevented many from voting, especially minorities. This led to further legislative action, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, prompted by activists and leaders who highlighted continued injustices.
Amendments like these serve as milestones on the path toward a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Women's Suffrage Movement

The Women's Suffrage Movement was a pivotal movement in American history dedicated to gaining voting rights for women. This movement saw its first major success with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
The fight for women's voting rights in the U.S. began in earnest in the mid-19th century, with leaders like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and others advocating for equal voting rights. They organized, protested, and campaigned tirelessly, often facing significant opposition and ridicule.
During this period, the movement intersected with other reform movements, including those for abolition and labor rights. However, it's important to recognize that not all women benefited equally from the 19th Amendment at first. Many African-American women, especially in the South, continued to face barriers due to racist laws and attitudes.
Nevertheless, the success of the Women's Suffrage Movement was a critical step in the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the United States. It laid the groundwork for future advances in women's rights spanning education, work, and politics, as women became more active participants in society.